- Docente: Daniela Cavalcoli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: PHYS-03/A
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: In-person learning (entirely or partially)
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Materials Science (cod. 6830)
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from Oct 22, 2026 to Jan 15, 2027
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the student possesses basic knowledge of the laws of Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics. They are capable of applying general concepts and fundamental laws of kinematics and dynamics, energy exchanges, and transformations between different forms of energy to solve problems, particularly in the field of materials (state diagrams, thermodynamic potentials).
Course contents
Mechanics: Physical quantities and units of measurement. Kinematics and dynamics of the point mass. Work and energy. Mechanics of point mass and many body systems and mechanics of rigid bodies. Deformable solids and elasticity. Fluid mechanics. Numerical exercises. Applications of mechanics to the study of materials.
Thermodynamics: elements of thermology. First law of thermodynamics, conservation of energy and thermodynamic transformations. States of aggregation of matter. Second law of thermodynamics. Thermodynamic potentials. Numerical exercises.
Readings/Bibliography
Halliday and Resnick's Principles of Physics, 11th Edition, Global Edition
Any edition.
The lecture slides are available on the virtual platform.
Solved numerical exercises and explanatory videos are also available on the virtual platform.
Teaching methods
Lectures and exercises in the classroom with slides and / or blackboard (traditional or electronic). Use of explanatory videos.
Assessment methods
Assessment consists of a written exam and an oral exam. Registration for both exams is available through the AlmaEsami platform.
To be admitted to the oral exam, students must pass the written exam with a minimum score of 18/30. The written exam grade contributes to the final grade and remains valid throughout the entire examination session. The first available oral exam is normally held on the day following the written exam.
The written exam lasts 2 hours. Students may use a calculator and consult the course textbook, but mobile phones are not permitted. The exam consists of 4 problems, of which students must solve 3. Each problem is worth up to 10 points, for a maximum total of 30 points.
The use of AI during the assessment is strictly prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a violation of academic integrity.
AI can be a valuable tool for supporting independent learning, particularly in self-assessment activities based on solving numerical exercises.
The written exam is designed to assess the student's ability to apply the fundamental laws of classical physics to solve basic problems. The oral exam assesses whether the learning objectives of the course have been achieved, including a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of Newtonian mechanics and thermodynamics.
No midterm assessments are scheduled.
Students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), temporary or permanent disabilities are encouraged to contact the University's dedicated support office well in advance (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it ). The office will propose any appropriate accommodations for the student. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval at least 15 days before the examination, and their suitability will be evaluated in relation to the course learning objectives.
Teaching tools
slides and / or blackboard (traditional or electronic)
Links to further information
Office hours
See the website of Daniela Cavalcoli
SDGs
This teaching activity contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN 2030 Agenda.